CBC announces next-season pickups and renewals

New shows Schitt's Creek, Strange Empire and Of All Places are on tap, along with a full season of Canada's Smartest Person.

Amidst much industry speculation of what budgetary cuts and key programming loses will mean for its schedule, the CBC has released some of its programming pickups and renewals for the 2014-2015 season.

Although slim on details, the pubcaster announced two new scripted shows, including the previously announced sitcom Schitt’s Creek, starring Eugene Levy and Catherine O’Hara and Strange Empire, a drama created by Laurie Finstad (Durham County).

Returning to the schedule on the scripted side are Murdoch Mysteries – which maintained a steady presence on the BBM Canada Top 30 this season – as well as Mr. D, Republic of Doyle and Heartland.

On the non-scripted side, Canada’s Smartest Person returns as a new series (this season it was a special), along with a revamped Dragons’ Den and new series called Of All Places, which focuses on small towns across Canada.

Other cornerstone programming to return to CBC’s sked includes The Rick Mercer Report, Doc Zone, The Nature of Things, Steven and Chris, Marketplace, Just for Laughs and This Hour has 22 Minutes.

According to a statement from the CBC, further programming announcements are forthcoming. This announcement follows previously announced cancellations from the CBC of Cracked and Arctic Air.